The Northern Ireland Assembly has appointed an Irish nationalist as Prime Minister for the first time today, Saturday, marking a historic event in a state established a century ago to ensure the dominance of pro-British unionists. This appointment of Michelle O'Neill, a delayed result of the pivotal 2022 elections, highlights the rise of Sinn Féin, which asserts that its ultimate dream of a united Ireland is "within reach." This appointment comes as the pro-British Democratic Unionist Party officially ended a two-year boycott of the power-sharing government after reaching an agreement with the British government to resolve post-Brexit trade disputes.
O'Neill (47) addressed the assembly, stating, "This is a historic day that represents a new dawn... I will serve everyone equally and I will be Prime Minister for all." She added, "I express my sorrow for all the lives lost during the conflict without exception." O'Neill represents a shift to a new generation of Sinn Féin politicians who were not directly involved in the decades-long bloody conflict in the region between Irish nationalists seeking a united Ireland and pro-British unionists.
